Electric

In a dream riverside location, this restored end of block Art Deco building was formerly a bank and it makes an impressive backdrop for one of the most exciting developments Cork has seen in recent years.

With views up river to St Finbarre’s Cathedral and down river along Georges Quay it’s a lovely setting at any time, but especially in summer when customers can spill out onto the paved area around the WW1 memorial (effectively a small park) and a large first floor balcony on the river side of the building – and at weekends there may be live music outside, adding to the atmosphere.

The interior is bright and very appealing, with bags of style; there’s lots of rich wood and well designed lighting – and windows on three sides not only bring plenty of light but they create an outward looking mindset which is key to the ambience.

The ground floor is given over to the main bar area and, upstairs, the very attractive first floor restaurant has a big balcony with a retractable cover overlooking the river. But the best thing about Electric is the friendly, buzzy atmosphere – there really is energy in the air here - and the stylish, ingredients-led, value-conscious food.

Owned by Tastefest Cork founder Ernest Cantillon and Denis O’Mullane owner of the excellent Café Gusto and Liberty Grill (see entries): a seriously good team, who know their business well.

There’s a commitment to local, or at least Irish, produce, with most of it coming from the English Market and keeping the menus seasonal. Good cooking is in the modern bistro style, with simple, un-cheffy presentation allowing the food to speak for itself.

But it’s not just ‘the usual’ menu. As well as stylish renditions of a wide range of popular dishes, there may be some surprises – a starter of crispy fried tripe with mint, lemon and chorizo (€8), perhaps, or an unusual summer fish dish such as blackened cod with miso, sea vegetables and mussel vinaigrette (€22).

No matter what time you drop is there will be something to tempt you. Freshly baked scones and pastries are ready for the first customers of the day at 10am, followed by interesting lunches (bar menu daily, restaurant option in the second half of the week), while evening menus are offered every day in both the bar and restaurant.

There’s a limited but well-chosen collection of house wines (by the bottle, carafe & glass), also a ‘vintage’ wines list with interesting notes. All are moderately priced and a small plates menu with Basque-inspired ‘pinchos’ is available from 5pm, allowing people who drop in for a glass of wine to enjoy a tasty nibble with their tipple, and there are also cocktails and craft beers as well as all the usual drinks.

Electric is a great spot and, although the clientele tends to be mostly youngish, it appeals to all ages.

*Inspired by the simple seafood cookery of Spain and Portugal, the Fish Bar opened in 2013 - a great addition to an already great food offering.

Might also like

In the buzzy Coal Quay renewal area, this Cork restaurants a sister establishment to Padraig Frawley's highly regarded Cornstore in Limerick (see entry) is in a stylishly converted two-storey granite mill building.
Colourful Spanish tiles in the reception area lead to a ...

Billing itself as a wine café, this quirky riverside venue is run by French and Irish friends Emmanuelle Legrand and Beverley Mathews. Part tapas bar, part wine bar it has a distinctly continental flair.
Once the celebrated live music venue, The Lobby, this ...

Following complete redevelopment of their original riverside site on Western Road, The River Lee Hotel regained its place as one of the most popular Cork hotels, especially perhaps for business guests.
Well-located, it is beside the university and within comfortable w ...

In a quiet, wooded setting just a few minutes’ drive from Blarney, this pretty riverside pub is run by John and Anne Blair and their sons Duncan and Richie, a warmly hospitable family who take real pride in welcoming visitors. This is the real McCoy, a great Irish ...

Just across from the pier in the pleasant village of Lower Aghada, Martin and Imelda Budden’s attractive bar and bistro has built up a following for good food and hospitality. The welcome is warm, the surroundings peaceful and there’s an appealingly fresh men ...

Directions

End of block on South Mall (or river side) at junction with Grand Parade.

IRELAND GUIDE IPHONE APP V2.0

Quickly and easily find all the very best places to eat, drink & stay across the island of Ireland with the cool new Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide iPhone Application (v 2.0 now available FREE with optional subscription elements that have a 30 day no-obligation free trial).

BlackBerry App

Blackberry mobile phone owners can quickly and easily find all the very best places to eat, drink & stay across the island of Ireland with the cool new Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide Blackberry Application - have access to the most highly respected, trusted & critically acclaimed independent guide to Irish hospitality whenever you want, wherever you are!

Samsung App

Quickly and easily find all the very best places to eat, drink & stay across the island of Ireland with the cool new Georgina Campbell's Ireland Guide Samsung Bada Application - have access to the most highly respected, trusted & critically acclaimed independent guide to Irish hospitality whenever you want, wherever you are!